More than many other islands, Montisola has preserved almost intact the ancient customs of those who live far from the mainland and the hustle and bustle of the city.
Boats leave from Sarnico, Lovere and other towns on the Bergamo shore to arrive on the island.
Immediately you will be greeted by small fishing villages and naèt, their ancient boats.
Look around, wind your way through the alleyways: the beauty of this ‘island is that there are no cars, so you can enjoy it to the fullest by bike or bus.
Montisola ‘s coastal perimeter is 11 kilometers long: you can walk around it, taking a full circle to enjoy the greenery and spectacular views of the Bergamo and Brescia coasts.
For the most spectacular view, however, you have to reach the highest point on the island: at 600 meters above sea level, where the Ceriola Sanctuary is located.
The walk will be challenging but we assure you it will be worth it….
The best way to appreciate Montisola, is to take the coastal route and visit the main villages, with a walk of about 3 1/2 hours.
You can, for example, take the boat and arrive at Peschiera Maraglio. Montisola ‘s busiest resort has a nice little harbor that is home to naèt, the traditional fishing boats. If you like it, we recommend a visit to the Fishing Museum, where you’ll learn about the history, techniques and tools used in an activity that is still of considerable importance to the island today.
Continue north to reach Carzano. Near the church of St. John the Baptist, you’ll find a beautiful park overlooking the island of Loreto, where you can rest and take a swim to enjoy the lake.
Here you’ll find the island’s only camping site, with the famous Montisola restaurant, where you can enjoy the local cuisine based on lake fish. Absolutely to taste, the good extra virgin olive oil DOP, the salami still made according to ancient traditions, the lake sardines dried and preserved in oil.
Continuing the walk, after 2 kilometers you will reach the medieval Siviano: being positioned on a ‘hill, from here you can admire beautiful views of the Bergamo coast.
Now you’re about halfway along the route, and you’ll head south to Sensole, where you must visit the majestic Rocca degli Oldofredi, which sits atop a rock face and had the function of protecting the island.
Only a mile and a half to go, and you’ll have walked the entire perimeter of Montisola!
Curiosity:
Every 5 years in September, the “Festa di Santa Croce” better known as the ” Montisolaflower festival” is celebrated, a festival famous throughout Italy.
In the two medieval towns of Carzano and Novale, hundreds of decorations are made with colorful paper flowers handmade by the island’s inhabitants.